approximate
approximate Lexical Profile
approximate Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Close to the actual value, number, or condition, but not completely accurate or exact.
"The contractor provided an approximate cost for the kitchen renovation before finalizing the blueprints."
Situated very close together in space or position (especially of anatomical structures or plant parts).
"In this species of fern, the leaflets are closely approximate along the main stem without fusing together."
• verb
To come close or be similar to something in quality, nature, or quantity.
"Synthetic fibers have been engineered to closely approximate the softness and warmth of natural wool."
To calculate or estimate a value, amount, or figure that is close to the exact truth.
"Astronomers can approximate the age of the star cluster by analyzing the luminosity of its oldest stars."
To bring two anatomical parts or tissue edges close together (especially in surgery or medicine).
"The surgeon used fine sutures to approximate the edges of the incision so the tissue would heal cleanly."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word is a heteronym: as an adjective, the final syllable has a reduced vowel sound (/əˈprɒksɪmət/), whereas as a verb, the final syllable is pronounced with a long 'a' (/əˈprɒksɪmeɪt/).
• Rhymes for approximate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Late Latin approximatus, the past participle of approximare ('to come near to'), formed from ad- ('to') and proximus ('nearest'), the superlative of prope ('near').